I Just Got to Town—and I Can’t Wait to Meet You!
Hi, Panhandle! I’m Gary Jobst, and I’m excited to meet the people who call this area home.
If you already love country partner dancing, I can’t wait to share the floor with you. If you’ve never taken a lesson, I’d love to help you get started.
We’re bringing everyone together through the Panhandle Country Dance Alliance—PCDA, with Wednesday nights at Ragon Hall in Pensacola.
From Country Dance Competitions to Community
My dance journey began with country couples and line dancing while I was serving in the U.S. Navy in San Diego. I began competing on the United Country Western Dance Council—UCWDC—circuit, worked my way up to Division I, and became a member of the UCWDC World Champion dance team Midnight Cowboys. Florida Dance Magic
That country dance foundation eventually led me into West Coast Swing where I have won 2 US Open Championships. My journey also brought recognition from the National Living Legends of Dance in 2016 and the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame as a Golden Star inductee in 2024. California Swing Dance Hall of Fame
I bring more than 30 years of teaching experience in West Coast Swing, Country 2-Step, and Nightclub Two-Step. Now I’m excited to share that experience here in the Panhandle. Florida Dance Magic
Let’s Build a Home for Country Partner Dancing
PCDA brings together instructors, local dance groups, experienced dancers, and people taking their very first steps.
Our goal is to create a home base for country partner dancing in the Panhandle—a place to learn, practice, meet people, and enjoy a night on the floor.
Competitive dancers need regular opportunities to practice their skills. Social dancers want good music, friendly faces, and room to move. Beginners need somewhere welcoming to start. We want to bring those needs together.
Whether you’re preparing for a competition or simply looking for a fun Wednesday evening, you’re welcome here.
Your Wednesday Night Starts Here
We’re kicking things off Wednesday, October 7, at Ragon Hall in Pensacola.
For October, our lessons will feature 2-Step and Country Swing, with guided practice after each lesson so you can try what you’ve learned and ask questions.
2-Step will remain a regular part of our program. The second lesson will explore different dances as the Alliance grows and guest instructors join us. We hope to create more opportunities for Nightclub Two-Step, Waltz, Cha Cha, and other country partner dances.
New to Dancing? Come Meet Us
You don’t need a partner or previous experience.
Bring friends, come with someone who’s been wanting to try dancing, or walk in on your own. Let us know it’s your first visit, and we’ll help you get started.
Experienced dancers, bring your encouragement along with your dancing shoes. A welcoming community grows when we help someone new feel comfortable on the floor.
Wednesday Nights at Ragon Hall
2600 Stratford Rd, Pensacola, FL 32526
6–6:45 PM: 2-Step lesson
6:45–7 PM: Guided practice
7–7:45 PM: Country Swing lesson
7:45–8 PM: Guided practice
8–10:30 PM: Social dancing
$10 per lesson • $10 social • $20 whole night
Free admission with a current student ID!
Enjoy a 5,000-square-foot dance floor, great air conditioning, and an evening of learning and connection.
I’ll be your host and head of the Alliance, with production by Pensacola Swing Dance Society.
I just got to town, and I’m looking forward to putting names to faces, sharing some dances, and helping this community grow.
Want some individual attention for your dancing?
I’m available for private lessons in Country 2-Step, Nightclub Two-Step, and West Coast Swing. Whether you’re learning your first steps, building confidence for social dancing, or preparing for competition, private instruction gives you time to focus on your goals at your own pace. Talk with Gary at a PCDA Wednesday night about availability and scheduling.
Come say hello on a Wednesday or at some of the other local dances inlcuding #TGIMonday at Ragon Hall. I can’t wait to meet you!
—Gary Jobst